🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
Amanda Nguyen, a women's health researcher, was aboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission. Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.” Eclipsed by Backlash Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault. Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said. She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders. About the Mission The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields. The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.